‍How AI Helps Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly common in the workplace. From helping EHS teams enforce safety standards and protocols to preparing safety reports, AI-powered workplace safety solutions can be used in a myriad of different ways.

One of its biggest advantages is helping companies prevent workplace accidents by enforcing safer practices when it comes to manual lifting procedures. For instance, one of the most common issues is with training employees on safe lifting practices.

If employees don’t receive proper lifting training, it could result in musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). But, with the help of AI, companies can take steps to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

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What are Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)?

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries or disorders that affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints, and bones.

They can range from those caused by sudden accidents, like a fall or slip, to those caused by repetitive motions or prolonged inactivity.

These disorders can manifest in various ways, such as back pain, joint pain, and repetitive strain injuries, which often result in physical discomfort, reduced mobility, and impaired quality of life.

MSDs can be caused by a variety of factors, such as physical strain from heavy lifting, repetitive motions, sedentary behavior, and ergonomic issues in the workplace.

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How AI Prevents Musculoskeletal Disorders

AI workplace safety solutions like Protex AI can play an important role in preventing musculoskeletal disorders. Here are just some of the many ways AI applications can help reduce MSDs:

Real-time motion tracking and analysis

One of the ways AI for workplace safety can help prevent MSDs in the workplace is through the use of real-time motion tracking and analysis.

Smart cameras systems can plug directly into the existing CCTV network, and can provide important insights into how employees are lifting heavy items.

This information can play a critical role in helping companies improve the safety training they offer and ensure employees are following best practices.

AI algorithms can analyze the data and provide insights into employees' activity levels and patterns, helping identify areas where changes in posture or movement may be needed to reduce the risk of MSDs.

Technologies like computer vision enhance the accuracy of these assessments, ensuring more precise feedback.

Ergonomic improvements

Workplace ergonomic improvements are critical in preventing MSDs, especially when it comes to jobs that require repetitive motions or prolonged inactivity.

AI can review data from sensors and cameras placed in the workplace to identify ergonomic risks. For instance, AI can predict and prevent repetitive movements that could lead to neck, shoulder, or wrist problems.

Advanced tools also use haptic feedback to alert workers when they engage in risky movements, providing immediate corrective guidance.

Based on this analysis, companies can make targeted ergonomic improvements, such as adjusting workstations and equipment, to prevent adverse musculoskeletal conditions.

Predictive analytics

Predictive analytics is another area where AI can help prevent MSDs. By analyzing data from historical MSD cases, AI algorithms can identify patterns and predict where MSDs may occur in the future.

Companies can use this information to take proactive measures to minimize the risk of MSDs. 

For example, they can adjust the workload or introduce rest breaks for employees who are at high risk of developing MSDs. The integration of machine learning algorithms allows the system to continuously learn and improve its predictive capabilities.

Workplace health and safety (WHS) management

AI can also assist companies in the proactive management of Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) programs. AI systems using risk assessment tools can be used to evaluate information from a range of sources, including employee data, safety records, and workplace feedback. 

AI can provide insights into the effectiveness of WHS programs, identify areas where improvements are needed, and support the overall health and safety of workers. This proactive approach not only reduces the likelihood of MSDs but also helps prevent accidents in the workplace and improves overall employee welfare.

Direct reporting

Tools like Protex AI can help companies by offering proactive supervision. They can be trained to identify poor manual handling processes, and then alert EHS teams.

Armed with this information, EHS teams can conduct dedicated injury prevention strategies and training for employees that are not following the right safety practices. Plus, in cases where employees fail to adapt based on the training, the AI system can always provide feedback.

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The 4 Major Benefits of Using AI to Improve Handling Procedures

Using AI to improve manual handling procedures has 4 major benefits:

1. Early Detection and Intervention

AI can analyze data from wearable technology and other sensors to detect early signs of musculoskeletal injuries before they become severe. This early detection allows for early intervention and treatment, reducing the risk of long-term or chronic injuries.

2. Customized Training and Education

AI can provide personalized training and education to employees, helping them prevent MSDs by improving their posture, technique, and overall work habits. This targeted approach improves employee engagement and ensures training addresses specific risk factors identified through ergonomic assessments.

3. Improved Productivity

MSDs can cause absenteeism, decreased productivity, and turnover among employees. By using AI to prevent these injuries, employers can improve productivity, reduce employee turnover, and increase the overall morale of the workforce.

4. More Accurate Detection

It’s often difficult for safety officers to carefully track whether employees are following appropriate handling procedures or not. However, AI workplace safety solutions plug directly into CCTV systems, ensuring that nothing is missed.

Plus, as more data is fed into the system, they become more and more accurate, effectively reducing the chances of any misses. As more data is integrated, these systems continuously refine their accuracy, allowing for more effective workplace safety monitoring and fewer overlooked risks.

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Use Protex AI to Improve Employee Health and Safety

Protex AI is a highly advanced AI workplace safety solution that plugs seamlessly into your company’s existing CCTV infrastructure. It can be trained not just for detecting manual handling procedures, but also to improve safety in other areas, such as object detection and setting up exclusion zones.

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